Saving Gray

Chapter Seven;

Actor Matt Barber is who I envision for Lord Irvin Ward. I hope you guys enjoy the last chapter we found out a little bit as to why Nicholas is acting the way he is. There is still a little more drama to come :). 

As I stepped back into the courtyard I spotted Theodore pacing close to the main staircase, he stopped midstride to glance over towards the archway as if anxiously waiting for me to emerge. Upon seeing me he walked towards me his large strides closing the space between us in an instant "Cynthia are you well?" he asked softly concern laced his voice, nodding my head I saw out of the corner of my eye Nicholas walk out of the archway with a troubled look on his face. However, he soon spotted the both of us to which he quickly sent Theodore a sharp glare before looking at me with emotions I could not describe, "Pray tell what have I done to vex your cousin so?" glancing towards him I looked into his eyes only to see confusion, sincerity, and concern. 

Taking a deep shaky breath I watched as Nicholas headed towards the main staircase where I spotted his brother Irvin waiting at the top, turning my gaze towards Theodore I could see him waiting patiently. I strongly debated telling Lord Gray the whole encounter but decided that he had the right to know after being so forthright with his story, with that, I let the whole story rush out including his proposal. "He dislikes my character because he thinks that I am a rake and he is listening to the rumors being passed around the ton, but nor would I have expected him to offer courtship" he sounded distant, shaking my head I was not going to let the meeting inconvenience me. "Shall we return to the castle Lord Gray, for they will be wondering what is keeping us" smiling softly at me he offered his arm which I gently took as we walked towards the main staircase. 

Upon entering the foyer I took note of Irvin waiting with the rest of my distant family, he turned his attention away from my uncle whom he had been in deep conversation with as he headed in our direction. "Milord, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance" he bowed towards Theodore before turning his brown eyes upon me "Cynthia, may I speak with you" he glanced towards Theodore as I slowly released his arm and gently took Irvins. Following him as he guided me in the direction of the drawing-room which was thankfully empty, "Is everything well Ivrin?" I turned myself to face my cousin as I couldn't help but wring my hands in front of me nervously. He gently runs his fingers through his chestnut locks as he debated his words "How long have you known" he said softly almost so softly that I thought I had not heard him right, "How long have I known about what Irvin?" I say as I look upon him in utter bewilderment. 

"How long have you been aware of my brother's affection for you," he said a little more firmly as I could not help but feel a little shocked "I...I had an inclination when he came to find me in the library back in Uncle Jame's London house" I say softly as I walk towards one of the settees taking a seat. "Please Irvin if you have come to belittle me also about the rumors circulating about his Lordship then I will not hear of it, for I know it is not in your character to be judgemental I would expect discontent from my brother's or my papa but not from my cousins not before having spoken with the man in question" I glance towards Irvin who is still stood by the door which my Aunt was now occupying discreetly. He moved closer to me "Cynthia do not trouble yourself I do not share Nicholas views for I do not know the man and I would like to better know his character before I make a formal judgment" he says softly as I smile up at him "Now I have also written to your papa, mama and siblings they have not yet responded but I am sure they soon will". 

It was then that my Aunt made herself known as she gently coughed "Cynthia, Irvin dinner has been called" she motioned for us Irvin was the first to leave the room however as I walked towards my aunt she gently grabbed my wrist, "I did not realize Nicholas spoke out of turn about Lord Gray" my aunt mumbled clear annoyance evident in her tone. Sighing softly I turned to her "On two occasions Aunt did he speak so openly against Lord Gray's character, the man in question was not even present to defend his honor" watching as she shook her head a frown marring her features we gently took each other's arms and headed in the direction of the dining room. Upon our arrival I was seated near to Lord Gray beside Lady Sybil smiling softly at her I then glanced towards Theodore as he sent a gentle smile towards us, "all is well?" he questioned me quietly as I nodded my head "Everything is well Milord" I whisper as I take a bite of my soup. 

As dinner passed with a polite conversation I could not help but glance up towards Nicholas watching him being silently scolded by my Aunt, a little bit of regret filled my chest but I also knew that it was wrong of him to judge a man whom he had not been acquainted with nor spoken to directly. After dinner, the men left for whiskey and cigars and the woman separated to the drawing-room "come Cynthia you must play the pianoforte with me" Georgiana said gaily before dragging me in that direction. As we started playing the third song we all heard the door open as the gentleman stepped back into the room, my eyes instantly found Theodore in the crowd as he slowly walked with my Uncle towards the mantel where they started to engage in polite conversation although often enough he would steal glances in my direction. Glancing back to the pianoforte I couldn't help but smile at Georgiana as she sent me a knowing smile, I could not hold back the blush that stole my cheeks "Do you care to dance Milady" I heard his husky voice whisper close to my ear glancing up I saw him leaning his hand on the pianoforte sending me a warm smile. 

Feeling Georgiana elbow me in the ribs gently I took Theodore's outstretched hand as he guided me to an open space in the drawing where he placed his hand on my waist at a position that was appropriate as I placed my hand against his shoulder feeling the hard sinewy muscle tense underneath my palm. Joining hands we gently moved to the music coming from Georgiana I could not help but glance up into his deep brown eyes that twinkled in the light coming from the crackling hearth, "I may be speaking out of turn Cynthia but you look beautiful today" he said softly enough for only me to hear him as my cheeks flamed a rosy shade of red "Why thank you Milord" I whispered softly in a jovial tone causing a soft chuckle to escape his lips. As he spun me outwards away from him I managed to collect myself but not before noticing Nicholas glaring openly at us, as if noticing something was wrong Theodore slowly stopped dancing as he gently placed a finger under my chin looking concerned "Cynthia what is it?" he asked. 

"I just wish that Nicholas would put aside his foolhardiness and become acquainted with you, I know under all this jealously is a kind, gentle character I just wish that he was not so easily lead by the gossip of the ton," I say gently as I watched Theodore carefully. Taking my hand I feel him gently run his thumb across my knuckles before dropping it "do not fret Cynthia for I know you are well aware of my character and history however I will be open to an acquaintance with your cousin should he so wish it" he smiled softly and I could not help but return it.